Even "more"

In his book, Obama mentions one of the values of Trinity Church. For Trinity church, their values cross the racial divide and deal with “African American” issues in addition to those commonly associated with the church and Christianity. Whether or not you believe this is right or not you must read on because there is a lesson in this for all of us and it is my hope you can grasp it. Speaking of one of the values from the black value system, Obama writes:

‘A Disavowal of the Pursuit of Middleclassness’, the heading read. ‘While it is permissible to chase middleincomeness with all our might,’ the text stated those blessed with the talent or good fortune to achieve success in the American mainstream must avoid the ‘psychological entrapment of Black middleclassness that hypnotizes the successful brother or sister into believing they are better than the rest and teaches them to think in terms of ‘we’ and ‘they’ instead of ‘US’!’

Let’s face it; we live in an upwardly mobile society. All of us, no matter our skin color and ethnicity, are expected to advance our careers, make more money, and move on up from the local apartment complex to the gated community. It’s this movement from one place to the other that creates division, whether we realize it or not. When was the last time you noticed an apartment complex next to a gated housing community? Unless you live in an advanced suburb where this is possible you probably never have. My point is this; once we move on to a new house in a new neighborhood we remove ourselves from the very people who need our help. For as soon as we move away and seek upward mobility we become surrounded by people who look like us, work like us, and live like us.

I want you to know that I actually agree with Wright on a few points. I agree with Wright in that it is “permissible” to chase middleincomeness (a.k.a. – seek upward mobility). There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, I believe that God is pleased with us as we use our time and talents to the best of our ability. It is not wrong for us to work our tail off and receive the pay and benefits that accompany it. I also agree with Wright, in that the “psychological entrapment” can easily take hold of an individual and family, no matter their skin color and ethnicity, as they seek upward mobility. It is the evolution and the chase of the American dream that cause us to forget those we leave behind. This is what Wright gets at as he compels the “successful brother or sister” to think in communal terms (us) instead of individual terms (we and they).

While Wright might regulate such a claim to the African American community I believe it is an essential value for us all to live by. Let’s not be put off by the focused cultural language, any preconceived perception we have of Wright, or anything else that might adversely affect us missing the point that it is up to all of “us”, not “we” or “they” to be participants in the redemption of our world as we seek to be agents of change, advocates of justice, and ambassadors of love – especially if you call yourself a Christ follower.

Like I said, there is a message in this for all of us.